Folding game-table



flNo Model.)

D. GOSNER.

FOLDING GAME TABLE.

1X0 329,734. Patented Nov. 3, 18855 W "-l ed UNITED STATES PATENT DFFICE.

DAVID GOSNER, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

FOLDING GAME-TABLE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 329,734, dated November 3, 1885.

Application filed April 30, 1884.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, DAVID GOSNER, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have invented certain Improvements in Folding Game-Tables, of which the following is a specification.

The object of my invention is to so make a table for playing billiards, pool, and similar games that it will form a cheap and serviceable substitute for the usual expensive tables, and can be folded into compact shape when not intended for use. This object I attain in the manner hereinafter set forth, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings, in which-- Figure l is a longitudinal vertical section of myimproved game-table; Fig 2,the same folded as when not in use, and Fig. 3 an inverted plan view of the table.

The main table A consists of a number of longitudinal strips of the proper length,pr0perly matched and secured together, and having a perfectly true top,over which is tightly stretched the cloth a. The edging or frame B of the table is also covered with cloth,and the cushion is formed by inserting beneath the cloth a section of rubber tubing, 1), which extends completely around the table.

To stiffen the table A and prevent the same from warping or cracking, I secure to the under side of the table, at and near each end, transverse strips D, and between the latter, and also secured to the under side of the table, are the diagonal strips F. This system of bracing I have found to be most effective for the purpose.

G G are the opposite supporting-frames of the table, each consisting of legs 'd and transverse bars 6, the uppermost of which are connected by hinges f to the strips D, so that the frames can be extended, as shown in Fig. 1, in order to support the table, or folded up against the under side of the table, as shown in Fig. 2, when it is desired to pack the table away. When the frames are extended, they are rigidly braced by a longitudinal bar, H, and by diagonal rods J. The bar H is recessed at each end for adaptation to the lower bars,e, of the frames, and the rods J are hooked at each end for adaptation to eyes 9 on said bars e, and to eyes h on the braces D. The bar H and rods J are detached prior to fold- Serial No. 129,802. (No model.)

ing up the frames G, orthe bar and rods may each be pivoted at one end, if desired.

The above-described table is a substantial structure,possessing sufficient rigidity to preserve the true surface of the tablenecessary for such games as pool or billiardsthe cost of the table, however, being very slight as compared with the cost of a table made especially for the purpose. The table, moreover, when the frames G are folded up, can be packed away in. any convenient place, so that it is out of the way when not in use, a special room for its accommodation being unnecessary.

I am aware that hinged supportingframes, rigid longitudinal braces, and rigid diagonal bracesare old in themselves, and have been heretofore used in various structures; but I am not aware that these three elements have been combined with the body of a table in the manner which I have shown. The combination is important in a structure such as a game-table the body of which must be rigidly supported and firmly braced. This necessitates the use of rigid diagonal braces J; but if these are used without the longitudinal brace H they will be of no avail, because they must be loose when their lower ends are fitted to the eyes 9, for if they are under strain their ends cannot be fitted to said eyes. When the longitudinal brace is used, however, the ends of the diagonal braces may first be fitted loosely to the eyes and the longitudinal brace then applied, so as to spread the frames G G and impart the necessary strain to the diagonal braces.

I do not claim, therefore, either-of the elements of the combination, separately considered; but

I claim as my invention- The combination of the rigid table A, the supporting-frames G, hinged thereto, the rigid longitudinal brace H,extending from frame to frame, and the rigid diagonal braces J, eX- tending from each frame to the body of the table, as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

DAVID GOSN ER.

W'itnesses:

J OHN M. CLAYTON, HARRY SMITH. 

